Speculative design research

Design research aiming to understand what kind of support, connections and experiences are likely to make the biggest difference to people’s quality of life, to live independent and fulfilling lives in their later life

In 2017, Innovation Unit worked with Essex County Council to conduct design research to explore what kind of support, connections and experiences are likely to make the biggest difference to leading independent and fulfilling lives in people’s later lives.

We conducted two different kinds of research activities:

• Running a co-design workshop in a community setting where we explored people’s views on what matters to them in their later years and what may facilitate a fulfilling life for them. This consisted of a one-hour visit to a current service and a two-hour workshop to share reflections and insights.

• Spending half a day with people having a conversation about their current and future life in their home or community.

We also supported the council team from conducting synthesis of the research data, to generating new ideas and engaging them with wider stakeholders in Essex. During the process, we identified key insights, system opportunities and service ideas for new models of the future support in people’s later lives.

MY ROLE - I led the service design process, conducted design-led research and designed various creative tools for our research activities. During the process, I liaised with the clients and built a strong relationship with them.

A research participant engaging with a creative activity around ‘ideal support’